How do I know when its time for my car to have a tune up?

[chgriffin85]

I have a 95 nissan maxima and just recently the car has been cutting off when I turn the ignition and let it sit for a few seconds, I'm tempted to say yes but I want to know if anyone has been having this same problem with there car. Basically what signs do I look for to see if I need a tune up, just type them down and I'll respond to the one that is the closest. Thanks!

[josesanchacho]

The problem you are having could have many causes, the fuel injectors could be clogged, the coils could not be working properly, your spark plugs could be fouled, your plug wires could be in need of replacing, the fuel pump could crapping out.  Basically if your car does not give you predictable performance, it could need a tune up,

[Pop-Tart]

When you hear funny noises...

[dodgeman]

you can go by the mileage on it and check and see when the last time you tuned it up was,or just go by the way it runs,if it needs a tune up it will idle rough and hesitate and sputter once in a while,it will also be hard to start sometimes,and die out on you at red lights,or die when you put it in gear,it may also want to be very sluggish sometimes on power,and you,ll notice that you have to give it more gas on the pedal to get it moving,and it wont go over hills real good,those are just some of the main things it will do,all cars wont act the same,good luck with it,and have a good new years.

[CraigA]

When in doubt change the spark plugs. They are cheap enough to replace and wires are reasonable also. Since your car is older it's not a bad idea. I would also recommend  changing th fuel filter.There are many things that can effect engine performance other than spark plugs and wires, but if you can do the work yourself, it's a good place to start.

[lowtek_dh_77]

I would start with a tune up.  Replace the Plugs, wires, I don't remember if it has a distributor in a 95 or not.  If so change cap and rotor.  I wouldn't hurt to put some injector cleaner in the gas tank before you put gas in next time.

[MichaelH]

your spark plugs or your fuel pump is going bad. your fuel pump will cost you about 80 bucks depending on who you get it from and if you install it your self it will take a afternoon

[hugg2dz]

do a basic tune up. change spark plugs, oil, distributor cap, and wires. i did this recently to my brothers car and i had to replce the fuel filter. car ran perfectly after that. i don't know how you been driving the car?

[FredM]

Well i have found that if you take the car to a oil change station like jiffy lube they have a fuel cleaning system that works well. I work for them and everytime we did it customers have said they saw a huge improvement in performance and mileage.